Seminars in oncology nursing
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To provide practical strategies to enhance the quality of communication in the palliative and end-of-life medical care settings. ⋯ Nurses who possess self-awareness and are skilled in effective communication practices are integral to the provision of high-quality palliative care for patients and families coping with advanced malignancies.
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To review the common issues at the end of life across cultures and the measures that can be taken to dress these issues. ⋯ Increased culture-specific knowledge will provide nurses with a basis for beginning exploration of individual or family beliefs.
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To review important issues that address respect for patient autonomy, beneficnce, non-maleficence, and justice, which are included in communication surrounding the determination of decision-making capacity, informed consent, breaking bad news, and creating shared goals of care. ⋯ Advance care planning provides an important opportunity for respecting patient autonomy and may be helpful when discussing care options surrounding resuscitation, withholding or withdrawal of treatment, or the determination of medical futility.
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Standards, guidelines, and position and consensus statements by themselves do not change practice or improve pain management and care at the end of life. However, if they are used effectively, they support best practices, provide a forum for discussion of current recommendations, and provide nurses with the latest science and information to advocate for effective pain and symptom management.
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This introduction lays the groundwork for this issue on a Collection of Oncology Nurses' Position Papers. Position papers developed by professional nursing organizations reflect a theoretical and research foundation. The position papers in this collection are relevant to oncology nurses in various practice settings and discuss how we can use them most effectively in our various roles as patient advocates.